
Essential Services Contingency Reserve
Last Update: March 26, 2025
PE, Canada
PPE for essential workers
Essential Services Contingency Reserve at a glance
Eligible Funding
- No Condition
Timeline
- Open Date : August 3, 2020
Financing Type
Other Support
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Grant Providers
- Public Services and Procurement Canada
- Government of Canada
Status
Open
Overview of the Essential Services Contingency Reserve program
If you’re an essential business and can’t get personal protective equipment for your workers through other means, you can purchase from Canada’s reserve on a cost-recovery basis.
Eligible projects & activities
Examples of admissible projects:
$ 25,000
Supplying PPE to Indigenous community services
$ 20,000
Distributing PPE to frontline workers at food banks
$ 15,000
Providing PPE to social service workers
$ 15,000
Securing critical supplies for childcare centers
$ 18,000
Acquiring PPE for grocery store staff
$ 50,000
Purchasing PPE for healthcare workers at St Michael's Hospital
Eligibility criteria of the Essential Services Contingency Reserve program
The Essential Services Contingency Reserve (ESCR) provides support to eligible businesses or organizations in essential service sectors, organizations serving Indigenous communities, and social service sectors by offering access to personal protective equipment (PPE) and critical supplies at no cost. To be eligible for this grant, organizations must meet the following criteria:
- Organizations in essential service sectors must provide services to critical infrastructure essential to Canada's health, safety, security, and economic well-being, including energy, health, food, transportation, safety, and more.
- Organizations serving Indigenous communities must provide services to First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities, with examples of eligible services ranging from community outreach programs to Indigenous women's circles.
- Social service sector organizations must offer social programs in support of personal, social, and emotional well-being, such as health care and housing, and qualify as registered charitable organizations or not-for-profit organizations.
Who is eligible?
There are three types of companies eligible for the Essential Services Contingency Reserve grant in Canada:
- Essential service sectors providing critical infrastructure services.
- Organizations serving Indigenous communities, including First Nations, Métis, and Inuit.
- Social service sectors offering services for personal, social, and emotional well-being.
Eligible expenses
Yes, eligible expenses for this grant include personal protective equipment (PPE), critical supplies, and services provided by organizations in essential service sectors, organizations serving Indigenous communities, and the social service sector.
- Personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Critical supplies
- Services provided by organizations in essential service sectors
- Services provided by organizations serving Indigenous communities
- Services provided by organizations in the social service sector
Eligible geographic areas
This grant can be applicable to various regions across Canada as part of a broader emergency support effort. However, specific eligible geographical areas are not outlined in the available information.
Eligibility criteria of the Essential Services Contingency Reserve program
There are evaluation and selection criteria for this grant:
- Qualifying organizations must meet the eligibility criteria for the specific stream they are applying under.
- Organizations must provide evidence of the urgent need for personal protective equipment (PPE) and critical supplies.
- Applicants must demonstrate how the requested supplies will be used to protect frontline workers in essential services.
- Priority may be given to organizations that serve vulnerable populations or communities.
How to apply to the Essential Services Contingency Reserve program
1
Check your organization's eligibility
- Review the eligibility criteria for each component (essential services sectors, organizations serving Indigenous communities, social services sectors)
- Check if your organization meets the specific requirements for each component
2
Gather the required information and documents
- Prepare the supporting documents for your organization (bylaws, proof of registration, etc.)
- Collect the necessary information to complete the application form (contact details, business sector, PPE needs, etc.)
3
Submit your application
- Access the application form for the component corresponding to your organization
- Fill out the form by providing all the required information accurately and completely
- Submit your application online or by the means specified by the Government of Canada
Apply to this program

Other SupportExpert AdviceLoans and Capital investmentsWage Subsidies And InternsOpen
Prince Edward Island, Canada
Support to start or grow a PEI business

Other SupportExpert AdviceOpen
Prince Edward Island, Canada
Training to help you build your PEI start-up

Other SupportPartnering and CollaborationExpert AdviceOpen
Prince Edward Island, Canada
Advice and expertise for entrepreneurs in Newfoundland and Labrador

Grant and FundingOpen
Prince Edward Island, Canada
Financial backing for technology R&D in Atlantic Canada

Grant and FundingOpen
Prince Edward Island, Canada
Funding projects in PEI's potato sector

Grant and FundingClosed
Prince Edward Island, Canada
Funding for Indigenous-owned documentary projects

Expert AdviceOpen
Prince Edward Island, Canada
Personalized advisory services for innovators in Prince Edward Island

Expert AdviceOpen
Prince Edward Island, Canada
Opportunities to sell to the Government of Prince Edward Island

Grant and FundingOpen
Prince Edward Island, Canada
Funding for R&D in Atlantic Canada